Which of the following steps is necessary before placing an NG tube?

Measuring how far the tube will go down is a critical step before placing a nasogastric (NG) tube. This measurement ensures that the tube is inserted to the correct depth, which is typically from the tip of the nose, to the earlobe, and then down to the xiphoid process. By accurately measuring this distance, the clinician minimizes the risk of improper placement, such as entering the trachea, which can lead to serious complications like aspiration.

This step is essential for both patient safety and the effectiveness of the procedure, as it helps ensure that the tube reaches the stomach rather than the lungs. Proper placement is vital for the therapeutic goals of NG tube use, whether for feeding, draining stomach contents, or administering medications.

While taking vital signs, documenting patient history, and administering medication are important components of overall patient care, they are not specifically required steps in the process of NG tube placement. Therefore, correct measurement of the insertion depth is the fundamental action needed prior to proceeding with the procedure.